Adjectivalization

Adjectivalization, sometimes called adjectivization, is the linguistic process by which a word from a non-adjective category takes on an adjectival function or is formed into an adjective. It can involve deriving new adjectives from other parts of speech or using existing words as adjectives without a distinct affix. The phenomenon is observed across languages, though the mechanisms and productivity vary.

Derivational adjectivalization typically uses affixes to create adjectives from nouns or verbs. Common English suffixes include -ic/-ical (economic, historical), -al (cultural, national), -ous/-ious (dangerous, curious), -ful (colorful), -y (cloudy), and -ive/-able (operative, perceptive). In many cases a noun such as economy or culture yields an adjective (economic, cultural), sometimes with nuanced meaning changes (historic versus historical). Adjectives can also arise from verbs, such as memorable or active, though not all such formations are equally productive in every language.

Zero-derivation or conversion is another path, in which a word shifts to adjectival use without an overt suffix. English frequently employs noun or verb roots as modifiers in attributive position, as in stone wall or wooden chair, where the word functions adjectivally even though it is not a distinct adjectival form.

Functions and usage: adjectivalized forms describe material, origin, purpose, or inherent property, and they can appear in attributive or predicative positions. The process contributes to semantic nuance and to the morphosyntactic system by expanding the range of adjectives available for modification and comparison.

Cross-linguistic variation: some languages rely heavily on productive adjective-forming affixes, others rely on noun or verb stems with limited or context-driven adjectivalization, and some use parallel morphosyntactic strategies such as compounding or degree marking.